Tom,
Don't be afraid to try Ilford films. This is not a time that we analog photographers should panic - we can be concerned tho.
I use Ilford FP4+ and HP5+ (developed in PMK Pyro) and plan to continue to do so.
But I have been reading good things about the B&W films form J&C and will continue to monitor people's opinions in the case that my optimism dissipates.
In the end it is your call and whatever you decide on using, you're gonna be addicted to LF!
gene